All news with #backdoor found tag

Critical Code-Injection Vulnerability in SAP S/4HANA

⚠ Security teams must urgently patch SAP S/4HANA after a critical code-injection flaw, CVE-2025-42957 (CVSS 9.9), was fixed by the vendor on August 12 and is now being exploited in the wild. The vulnerability allows a low-privilege user to inject arbitrary ABAP via an RFC-exposed function module, bypassing authorization checks and enabling admin-level control and potential OS interference. No workaround exists; timely patching across complex SAP landscapes is essential to prevent data theft, credential harvesting, backdoors, ransomware and operational disruption.

TAG-150 Develops CastleRAT: Python and C Variants Now

🛡️ Recorded Future links the activity of TAG-150 to a new remote access trojan, CastleRAT, available in both Python and C variants that collect system data, fetch additional payloads, and execute commands via CMD and PowerShell. The Python build is tracked as PyNightshade, while eSentire and others refer to related tooling as NightshadeC2. Researchers observed Steam-profile dead drops, a multi-tiered C2 layout, and distribution through CastleLoader-assisted phishing and fake GitHub repositories. Operators use Cloudflare-themed "ClickFix" lures and deceptive domains to deliver loaders and downstream stealers and RATs.

Sitecore ViewState Flaw Under Active Exploitation Now

⚠️ Mandiant reports attackers are actively exploiting a leaked ASP.NET machineKey sample from old Sitecore deployment guides to carry out ViewState code-injection attacks that execute arbitrary .NET assemblies in server memory. The issue, tracked as CVE-2025-53690, affects multi-instance deployments of Sitecore XM, XP, and XC that used the static sample key, and may also impact some Sitecore Managed Cloud Standard container configurations. After initial access, adversaries deploy tools Mandiant calls WEEPSTEEL and EARTHWORM, escalate to SYSTEM, create administrative accounts, dump SYSTEM/SAM hives, and move laterally. Sitecore customers are advised to inspect environments for indicators of compromise, rotate and encrypt <machineKey> entries, and follow Microsoft ASP.NET ViewState guidance.

Legacy Sitecore ViewState Zero-Day Allows WeepSteel Backdoors

🔐 Mandiant observed attackers exploiting a zero‑day ViewState deserialization flaw (CVE-2025-53690) in legacy Sitecore deployments that reused a sample ASP.NET machineKey. Adversaries delivered a WeepSteel reconnaissance backdoor to collect system and network data and disguised exfiltration as normal ViewState traffic. Sitecore advises replacing and encrypting static machineKey values and instituting regular key rotation to mitigate further risk.

GhostRedirector: China-aligned IIS SEO Fraud Campaign

🔍 ESET researchers identified GhostRedirector, a China-aligned threat group active since at least August 2024 that has compromised at least 65 Windows servers across multiple countries, notably Brazil, Thailand and Vietnam. The group deployed two novel tools: a C++ backdoor Rungan for remote command execution and a malicious IIS module Gamshen that manipulates search rankings to boost targeted sites. Operators also leveraged known privilege escalation exploits like BadPotato and EfsPotato to obtain administrator access and create persistent accounts. Organizations are advised to monitor IIS modules, patch promptly and audit high-privilege accounts and PowerShell activity.

GhostRedirector: IIS SEO Fraud and Windows Backdoors

🕵️ ESET researchers uncovered GhostRedirector, a previously undocumented actor that compromised at least 65 Windows servers across Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries. The intrusions deployed a passive C++ backdoor, Rungan, and a native IIS module, Gamshen, to enable remote command execution and conduct SEO fraud that targets search-engine crawlers. Attackers also used public LPE exploits (EfsPotato, BadPotato) and PowerShell-based payloads; ESET attributes the activity to a China-aligned actor with medium confidence.

Malicious npm Packages Use Ethereum Smart Contracts

🔒 Cybersecurity researchers discovered two malicious npm packages that use Ethereum smart contracts to hide commands and deliver downloader malware to compromised systems. The packages — colortoolsv2 (7 downloads) and mimelib2 (1 download) — were uploaded in July 2025 and removed from the registry. The campaign leveraged a network of GitHub repositories posing as crypto trading tools and is linked to a distribution-as-service operation called Stargazers Ghost Network. Developers are urged to scrutinize packages and maintainers beyond surface metrics before adopting libraries.

Malicious npm Packages Use Ethereum Smart Contracts

🛡️A new campaign used malicious npm packages to hide command-and-control URLs inside Ethereum smart contracts, evading typical static detection. ReversingLabs researcher Karlo Zanki uncovered packages colortoolsv2 and mimelib2 that delivered second-stage payloads via blockchain-held URLs. The threat also included fake GitHub projects, such as solana-trading-bot-v2, built to appear legitimate. Developers are urged to vet dependencies and maintainers beyond superficial metrics.

Russia-backed APT28 Deploys 'NotDoor' Outlook Backdoor

🛡️ Researchers at S2 Grupo’s LAB52 disclosed NotDoor, a VBA-based Outlook backdoor attributed to Russia-backed APT28 that monitors incoming mail for trigger phrases to exfiltrate data, upload files and execute arbitrary commands. The malware abuses Outlook event-driven macros, employs DLL side-loading via a signed OneDrive.exe to load a malicious SSPICLI.dll, and persists by disabling security prompts and enabling macros. Organizations are advised to disable macros by default, monitor Outlook activity and inspect email-based triggers.

Malicious npm Package Masquerades as Nodemailer Library

⚠️ A malicious npm package named nodejs-smtp impersonating the popular nodemailer library was discovered to both send mail and inject malware into Electron-based desktop cryptocurrency wallets. When imported, it unpacked and tampered with Atomic Wallet on Windows, replacing vendor files and repackaging the app to silently redirect transactions to attacker-controlled addresses. Socket's researchers prompted npm to remove the package and suspend the account.

MystRodX Backdoor Uses DNS and ICMP for Stealthy Control

🛡️ QiAnXin XLab warns of a stealthy backdoor named MystRodX (aka ChronosRAT) that leverages layered encryption and flexible network options to hinder detection. The C++ implant supports file management, port forwarding, reverse shells and socket control, and can run actively or as a passive "wake-up" backdoor triggered by crafted DNS queries or ICMP payloads. A multi-stage dropper with anti-debug and VM checks decrypts components and an AES-encrypted configuration that contains C2 endpoints, ports and the backdoor mode.

Silver Fox Abuses Microsoft-Signed Drivers to Deploy RAT

⚠️ A newly discovered campaign attributed to the Silver Fox APT abuses trusted Microsoft-signed drivers to bypass security protections and install a remote access tool. Check Point Research found attackers used the WatchDog driver (amsdk.sys) and an older Zemana-based driver to terminate antivirus and EDR processes, enabling deployment of ValleyRAT. Researchers observed loaders with anti-analysis, persistence, embedded drivers and hardcoded lists of security processes, and warn that timestamp edits can preserve valid signatures while evading hash-based detection.

Weekly Recap: WhatsApp 0-Day, Docker Bug, Breaches

🚨 This weekly recap highlights multiple cross-cutting incidents, from an actively exploited WhatsApp 0‑day to a critical Docker Desktop bug and a Salesforce data-exfiltration campaign. It shows how attackers combine stolen OAuth tokens, unpatched software, and deceptive web content to escalate access. Vendors issued patches and advisories for numerous CVEs; defenders should prioritize patching, token hygiene, and targeted monitoring. Practical steps include auditing MCP integrations, enforcing zero-trust controls, and hunting for chained compromises.

APT37 Spear-Phishing Campaign Targets South Korean Officials

🛡️ Seqrite attributes a large-scale spear-phishing operation, dubbed Operation HanKook Phantom, to APT37, a North Korea–linked group targeting South Korean government and intelligence personnel. Attackers distributed malicious LNK shortcuts disguised as a legitimate National Intelligence Research Society newsletter and a statement from Kim Yo-jong, which triggered downloads and execution of payloads including RokRAT. The campaign employed in-memory execution, fileless PowerShell, XOR decryption, LOLBins and covert exfiltration techniques to blend with normal traffic and evade detection.

Abandoned Sogou Zhuyin Update Server Used in Espionage

📡 Trend Micro reports that threat actors leveraged an abandoned Sogou Zhuyin update server to distribute multiple malware families, including C6DOOR, GTELAM, DESFY, and TOSHIS. The campaign, tracked as TAOTH and identified in June 2025, used hijacked automatic updates, spear-phishing, and fake cloud/login pages to target dissidents, journalists, researchers, and business figures across East Asia. The adversary registered the lapsed domain sogouzhuyin[.]com in October 2024 and exploited third-party cloud services like Google Drive to conceal callbacks and exfiltrate data.

TamperedChef Malware Hidden in Fake PDF Editor Installers

🛡️ Cybersecurity researchers report a malvertising campaign that lures users to counterfeit sites offering a trojanized PDF installer for AppSuite PDF Editor, which drops an information stealer named TamperedChef. The installer presents a license prompt while covertly downloading the editor, setting persistence via Windows Registry autorun entries and scheduled tasks that pass --cm arguments. Analysts at Truesec and G DATA found the backdoor harvests credentials and cookies and can download additional payloads.

VS Code Marketplace Flaw Lets Deleted Extensions Be Reused

🔍 Researchers at ReversingLabs found a loophole in the Visual Studio Code Marketplace that permits threat actors to republish removed extensions under the same visible names. The new malicious package, ahbanC.shiba, mirrors earlier flagged extensions and acts as a downloader for a PowerShell payload that encrypts files in a folder named "testShiba" and demands a Shiba Inu token ransom. Investigation revealed that extension uniqueness is enforced by the combination of publisher and name, not the visible name alone, enabling attackers to reuse names once an extension is removed. Organizations should audit extension IDs, enforce whitelists, and run automated supply-chain scanning to reduce exposure.

Fake IT Support Phishing Targets Microsoft Teams Users

🔒 Researchers at Permiso have uncovered phishing campaigns that abuse Microsoft Teams by impersonating IT support to trick employees into installing remote access tools like QuickAssist and AnyDesk. Attackers gain full control of compromised endpoints, deploy credential-stealing malware and establish persistence. Campaigns are linked to the financially motivated actor EncryptHub and use simple impersonation tactics that bypass email defences. Security teams should monitor unusual external Teams activity and verify unexpected support requests.

Salt Typhoon Exploits Router Flaws to Breach 600 Orgs

🔒Salt Typhoon, a China-linked APT, exploited vulnerabilities in Cisco, Ivanti, and Palo Alto Networks edge devices to compromise and persistently control routers worldwide. The actors modified device configurations, created GRE tunnels, and used on-box Linux containers to stage tools and exfiltrate data. Agencies from 13 countries linked the campaign to three Chinese firms and warned of espionage impacting telecoms, government, transport, lodging, and military sectors.

Nx Build Supply-Chain Attack: Trojanized Packages Detected

🔐 The Nx package ecosystem was trojanized via a malicious post-install script, telemetry.js, which exfiltrated developer secrets from macOS and *nix environments. Stolen items included npm and GitHub tokens, SSH keys, crypto wallets, API keys and .env contents, uploaded to public GitHub repositories. Immediate actions include auditing Nx package versions, removing affected node_modules, rotating all potentially exposed secrets and monitoring repositories and Actions for misuse.